Oh, Mama said, “Girl, you better learn how to pray.
Oh, you got a soul, a soul to save.
Girl, you've been looking for an education.
Child, you better fall on your knees
Before you fall in the wrong direction.”
Too many a trials I have known,
Tryin' to give my children a happy home.
In times of trouble and tears from worry.
Oh, I try to keep my head held high,
Teach my feet not to be in such a hurry. [bad word] Oh, it was a cold [bad word] morn'
East Texas baby girl was born.
I pray for her soul to sing a righteous song,
Oh, and when my head grows cold, Lord,
Keep her in a light that's so strong.
Mama said, “Girl, you better learn how to pray.
Oh you got a soul, a soul to save.
Child, you've been looking for an education.
Ain't nothin' wrong with that, now.
Girl, you better fall on your knees
Before you fall in the wrong direction.
“You better fall on your knees
Before you fall in the wrong direction,”
Mama said.